According to CTV News, within the last month Austan Goolsbee, a senior economic adviser in the Obama campaign contacted the Government of Canada, through its Consulate General office in Chicago, to advise them if they hear Obama talk about NAFTA that it is nothing more than rhetoric. Both the Obama campaign and the Canadian Embassy in Washington deny the conversation took place. It is also believed there has been similar contact made with the Canadian government by the Clinton campaign concerning rhetoric on NAFTA. ( CTV News) Put another way, Obama and Clinton might be offering the voters in Ohio red meat but they won't be eating any beef.

All of this talk about NAFTA by the Democrats has been amusing to John McCain, a staunch supporter of free trade. At a campaign stop in Round Rock, Texas on February 29th, McCain praised Canada while assailing Obama and Clinton. "One of our greatest assets in Afghanistan are our Canadian friends. We need our Canadian friends, and we need their continued support in Afghanistan," said McCain, "So what do we do? The two Democratic candidates for president say they're going to unilaterally abrogate NAFTA.

Solar-cell company stocks boosted by high oil prices

Shares in solar cell makers soared yesterday after oil prices continued breaking records on global markets in the wake of the latest industry figures showing a surprise fall in US crude reserves.

Shares of Motech Industries Inc (Z}), the nation's largest solar-cell manufacturer, edged up 5.59 percent to NT$359, while those of rival E-ton Solar Tech Co (qq) advanced 1.75 percent to NT$378.5 on the GRETAI Securities Market.

US light crude rose as high as US$96.24 in trading yesterday morning in Asia before falling back to US$96.05.

On average, solar shares grew 0.39 percent yesterday, outperforming a 0.78 percent decline in the over-the-counter GRETAI Securities Market index and a 1.17 percent drop in the benchmark TAIEX index.

The TAIEX yesterday tumbled 113.14 points to 9,598.23 as investors worried that "higher costs could eventually choke economic growth," SinoPac Securities Co (תҨ) analyst Vincent Chen said in a note.

Is the Monroe doctrine dead?

When Chinese leaders speak out about their aims and goals in the region, they utilize concepts like growth, mutual benefits, non-interference in internal affairs and, most importantly, development,'' he writes. These are more palatable to left-wing leaders than free trade or free-market reforms recommended by Washington, he adds.

Since 2005, Chávez and Iran's President Ahmadinejad have visited each other seven times, signing deals on issues as varied as tractor manufacturing and oil exploration and establishing a direct flight between Caracas and Tehran, with a stopover in Damascus.

Viewer Comments On Gun Control

I had a 3 hour class on laws and hand gun use. 2. I then had to complete a test on the information presented in the class. 3. I had to hit a target 12" by 12" at 15 feet with at least 90% accuracy. 3. I had a city back ground check. 4. I had a county background check. 5. I had a state/FBI background check. 6. I was finger printed and this was sent to the state capital that issued my permit. The training is there and with experience a person can carry, and provide some additional safety for people around them. To add safety for a place that is as populated as this state having this along with a visit or two with a psychologist could make for a very secure CCW for the state! I think that it is time for Illinois to catch up with the times. --Anonymous Stricter gun control will not keep our students in schools completely safe.